Anzac Day Commemorations Sunday April 23rd, 2023

THE BRITAIN-AUSTRALIA SOCIETY WEST COUNTRY BRANCH

BRISTOL – CORNWALL – DEVON – DORSET – GLOUCESTERSHIRE – SOMERSET – WILTSHIRE

I am pleased to provide the details and invitations for this year’s ANZAC Day lunch and Service of Remembrance at Sutton Veny.

The lunch will be held in the Warminster Infantry Officer’s Mess at the British Army base in Warminster, Wiltshire. It will be followed by the Remembrance Service, held at the Church of St John the Evangelist, Sutton Veny, together with the laying of wreaths at the memorial in the church grave yard which contains the remains of over 50 Australian WWI servicemen along with 5 Australian Army nurses. This annual service was one of the first ANZAC Day services conducted in the world and was broadcast live to Australia by the ABC for many years.

The cost of the lunch is £35 for members and £40 for non-members. This includes a short reception, buffet lunch and wine followed by coffee served in the anteroom.As in prior years the Branch will hold its AGM just prior to the lunch. Branch members please arrive for the 11.30am AGM, while guests could either arrive for the 12 midday reception, or take coffee /tea in the reception room while the AGM is completed.

Keith Newton Chairman,

West Country Branch, Britain-Australia Society

To book simply email your name, the names of your guests attending and your car registration, together with your payment details to the Branch Secretary Eva Hamilton: evahamilton@hotmail.com.

Payment can be made either by:

Option 1 (preferred): Transferring funds electronically to Lloyds Bank Branch Sort Code: 30-90-54 Account Number: 04560502 Account Name: Britain-Australia Society Give AAP and your name as a reference

Option 2: By cheque made payable to “Britain-Australia Society, West Country Branch” posted with name and payment details to Eva Hamilton 37 Lucklands Rd, Bath BA14AX You will need to ensure we have your Car registration and you will need to bring your Licence with you on the day.

THE PROGRAMME

11:30 – 12:00 Branch Annual General Meeting.

12:00 – 12:30 Reception at the Infantry Officers’ Mess Warminster.

12:30 – 13:45 Lunch and after lunch speeches in the Infantry  Officers’ Mess. Wine and soft drinks included.

13:45 – 14:15 Coffee – in the anteroom.

14:25 Please drive to the Church and ensure you take  your seat there promptly by 14:45.

15:00 ANZAC Day Service of Remembrance at St. John the  Evangelist, Sutton Veny followed by wreath laying at the War Memorial in the churchyard.

16:00 – 17:00 Afternoon Tea at Sutton Veny Village Hall. Would members please reply as soon as possible but no later than Wednesday April 19th.

Refunds for cancellations can be made up to that date.

No tickets will be issued.

St. John The Evangelist, Sutton Veny

In 1918 a number of servicemen, many of them Australians, who died in the influenza epidemic of that year, are buried in the graveyard alongside those who died from wounds. Five Australian nurses are also buried there. Regular services are held today by the Upper Wylye Parish Team and there is a yearly memorial service on the Sunday closest to Anzac Day.

DIRECTIONS TO THE INFANTRY TRAINING OFFICERS MESS AT WARMINSTER AND AFTERWARDS TO SUTTON VENY CHURCH

The main entrance to the Land Warfare Centre is on Imber Road to the North East of the town. Please report to the guard at the gate and you will then be checked in and directed to the Infantry Training Officer’s Mess, which is situated at the far end of the Centre. Details of the route to nearby Sutton Veny from the Infantry Mess will be handed out as you leave.

St Johns Church: 11 Springhead, Sutton Veny, Warminster BA12 7AG